Persistent Mount Etna ash shuts Sicily's Catania airport during peak holiday week
The latest activity by Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has been unusual for its persistence and sustained ash emissions.
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, has been persistently spewing ash, causing the closure of Sicily's main airport, Catania, for the fifth consecutive day, disrupting holiday travel during the busiest period of the year. The airport is expected to stay closed until early Saturday, coinciding with the peak Ferragosto holiday when millions visit the coast and mountains.
Boris Behncke, a researcher at the Etna Observatory, warned that volcanic ash poses a significant danger to aircraft, potentially damaging engines and causing stalls. This prolonged eruption is the most severe since 2002, with volcanic ash spreading to Malta and northern Africa. Northern winds have transported lighter ash particles to Malta and northern Africa.
Many flights have been cancelled or rerouted, causing price increases for alternative transportation. The consumer association Codacons plans to file a complaint about price gouging. The affected airport sees numerous flights daily, and the disruption has caused inconvenience for travelers and increased costs for those seeking alternate routes.
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